Residents outraged on failed Sandy aid

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Many people are outraged after a bill that would help those affected by Hurricane Sandy failed to reach a vote in the House today.

Mickey Johnson easily shares her Sandy story. Water to the kitchen counter tops, just getting back in two weeks ago but anger rises to the surface when asked about that missed vote on Sandy aid.

"People that need it the most are not getting it and they need it, they have to have it, what is wrong," said Johnson of Milford.

The Milford shoreline seems like a ghost town, folks still out of their houses waiting for insurance and FEMA funds. It must seem a slap a  in the face that a promised vote on billions in aid just didn't happen.

"It's a waiting game and that's what it is, it's a game to them. It's not to us, it's our life," said Johnson.

It's not just homeowners left in Limbo now, it's also a lot of communities that have spent millions of dollars to try and make repairs.

"The city of Milford who has already expended millions of dollars so far to date and expects to spend millions more and we need to be reimbursed so that we can sustain," said Mayor Ben Blake of Milford.

The passed over vote was a public relations misstep by the Republican lead house. Representatives in their own party and those in hard hit districts are demanding action.

"To leave desperate and vulnerable people hanging Mr. Speaker, reverse your decision now and lets do the right thing," said Democrat Jim Himes of the 4th District.

Late this afternoon an about face word of a vote later this week. Funds at stake would help make changes to minimize future damage. 

"Like elevating houses and providing for barriers in the Sound that would prevent the kind of destructive effects that we saw from Sandy," said Senator Dick Blumenthal.

This vote of relief to folks like Mickey but she still smarts that it was cast aside in the first place.

"We are the ones that are keeping this country going and we're the ones that need the help and by god we should get it," said Johnson.

The first vote on Sandy Aid is expected Friday.